The mother of two of Matilda'sstars, MiMi and Talia Ryder, explains how their passion for performance led to a Broadway bow.

MiMi Ryder, Kristin Clark and Talia Ryder
Monica Simoes

MiMi Ryder, Kristin Clark and Talia Ryder
Monica Simoes

Who: Kristin Clark Stopped: In Shubert Alley

Are you seeing a show on Broadway today?No. Actually one of my daughters is performing in Matilda. The two of them were in it together for nine months and then my youngest, MiMi Ryder, who played Matilda, she finished last month. My other daughter, Talia Ryder, is still in the show for a few months.

How did they become interested in performing?It was all their idea! They were dancers first and came to see Matilda and decided they really wanted to be in itand asked me to take them to an audition.

What was your reaction?As a parent, having not ever been involved in this, it was a whole new world. I figured that if they wanted to try, it couldn’t hurt trying, and it would be a great experience just to audition. I thought: “They have nothing to lose.”

Is Broadway in their future now?They’ve been successful so far and have really found a passion for it, so as long as that’s what they want to keep doing, I’m there to support them.

You don’t sound at all like a stage mom! Do people expect you to be more of one?I don’t think so. I haven’t been in the community for too long, so I don’t think there were many expectations.

How have you found the community so far?Very welcoming. The family here at Matilda has been extremely welcoming and loving towards all the kids. There’s not too much pressure; they let them learn and expand on their abilities at a nice and fair pace. They feel very comfortable doing what they’re doing.

How many times have you seen the show?Only about 100! What a joy it is to see your children up there, and it’s an exciting show. I always catch something new, even after seeing it that many times.